Taylorville City Council approves vote to reinstate former officer Anthony Telford

by WICS News Team

The agreement was approved in a 6 to 2 vote, and includes requirements for Telford to return to the force, including a psychological test. (WICS)

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. (WICS) —

The Taylorville City Council has approved a settlement to reinstate a former police officer, Anthony Telford.

The agreement was approved in a 6 to 2 vote, and includes requirements for Telford to return to the force, including a psychological test.

Telford and the Police Union filed a grievance against the city when he was fired from the force last year after being arrested for battery against his wife, but no formal charges were ever filed.

Taylorville’s mayor said the settlement is what's best for the city.

“The Police Union filed a grievance against the city that we unfairly fired him and our labor attorney instructed us that we were probably going to lose the case,” said Taylorville Mayor, Bruce Barry. “So this was in the best interest of everyone involved.”

The Mayor said Telford has worked with other departments and has shown to be a good officer in the past.